With Christmas just around the corner, many families in Tees Valley are facing difficult choices between heating their homes and gifts under the tree. This year, local charity, The Junction, is calling on businesses, schools, and individuals to help ensure no child or family is left without food, warmth or a gift this Christmas in the Tees Valley.

Beth Major, CEO of The Junction, said:

“Unfortunately with the cost of living crisis, we have seen an exceptional increase in the number of children, young people and their families needing support to simply have food on the table. The holiday season should be a time of joy, but for many families in Tees Valley, it is a time of stress and uncertainty. Our campaign is a lifeline to those in need, and without the community’s support, Christmas will simply not happen for many families.”

Since the campaign’s inception three years ago, the charity has supported thousands of families and individuals with cupboard essentials, Christmas gifts, warm clothes and blankets. This year’s target is to support 500 families and over a thousand individuals to be able to enjoy this special time of year.

Shaun Hogg, Trustee of The Junction stated

“Last year, our Christmas Campaign helped 150 families and 450 individuals within the Tees Valley. With your support, we can make sure that no family has to choose between a Christmas dinner or a gift for their children.”

Those wishing to support the campaign can:

Donate to a collection point

Donations of new/unwrapped toys, gifts for teenagers, non-perishable food, warm clothing, and toiletries can be dropped off at:

Just Hair, Station Road, Redcar, TS10 1AG

The Junction, Westfield Farm, Dormanstown, TS10 5NA

My Place, North Street, Middlesbrough, TS2 1JP

HSBC Bank, Middlesbrough, TS1 1RS

Vove, The Innovation Centre, Hartlepool, TS25 5TG

Wainstones Hotel, Great Broughton, Middlesbrough TS9 7EW

Organise a Collection Point

Businesses, schools, and community centres can help gather donations of new and unwrapped toys, gifts for teenagers, selection boxes, non-perishable food, warm clothing (new hats, gloves, scarves), and toiletries.

Make a Financial Contribution

Companies with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets are encouraged to support the campaign financially. Your donation can help cover the logistics of the campaign, such as gift-wrapping materials, transportation, or even directly purchasing items for families.

Individuals can donate through The Junction’s Just Giving page.

Alternatively, you can purchase a gift/goods on our Amazon Wishlist

Donations are gratefully accepted until December 16th, 2024.

For more information about the campaign, or to enquire about supporting The Junction, please contact Dawn Golightly at Dawn.Golightly@thejunctionfoundation.com.